It’s official: Pitt tabs Todd Graham as new coach

Posted by John Taylor on January 10, 2011, 8:52 PM EDT

For the second time in less than a month, Pittsburgh has settled on a replacement for Dave Wannstedt.

Culminating 24 hours of intense speculation — and just as the freaking national title tilt kicked off — Pitt announced via press release that Todd Graham has been chosen as the 35th head coach in the school’s history. Graham had spent the past four seasons as the head coach at Tulsa.

“We are thrilled that Todd Graham has agreed to become the head football coach at the University of Pittsburgh,” said athletic director Steve Pederson. “His innovative, creative and energized approach to football makes him an exciting leader for our program. He has a proven track record of success at all levels of football and his wealth of experience on both sides of the ball gives him a unique set of credentials.

“The outstanding job he has done at Tulsa – double-digit win totals in three of the past four seasons and an undefeated bowl record – has been noticed across the country. I know he is excited to meet his new team and the great people of Pittsburgh.”

“My family and I are honored to join such a prestigious university and rich football tradition like the University of Pittsburgh,” said Graham. “Pittsburgh is a tremendous football city with great fans. We will work diligently every day to earn their respect and build a program that competes for and wins championships. I’m also excited to return to the Big East, a conference that plays tremendous football.”

We’d have more on this hire but, quite frankly, we’re more interested in the Auburn-Oregon game.